WESTMINSTER HOSPITAL (BEDS) (Hansard, 26 February 1980)

§ Mr. Ennals

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, the proposal published this morning in a planning document that 410 beds at the Westminster hospital should be closed, thus reducing this hospital of international repute to a small 100-bed support hospital. I submit that this issue is certainly specific in that such a proposal, if carried through, would mean the decimation of this great hospital, which not only has served the needs of the people of Westminster but has earned a national and international reputation as a great teaching hospital and as a centre for much vital specialisation and research.

The matter is certainly important because this is our hospital. Several right hon. and hon. Members and members of another place owe their lives to the skill of the doctors, nurses and other staff at the Westminster hospital. I certainly owe my life to the staff of that hospital, but I am only one of many.

The matter is urgent because proposals are too quickly accepted in this time of public expenditure cuts. I believe that the issue is of such importance that the House will wish to consider it and debate it.

§ Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Member for Norwich, North (Mr. Ennals) gave me notice before 12 o'clock today that he would seek leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely, 1151 the proposal published this morning in a planning document that 410 beds at the Westminster hospital should be closed, thus reducing this hospital of international repute to a small 100-bed support hospital. I listened carefully to the exchanges that took place this afternoon on this subject. The House was able to hear the remarks that were made.

As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take account of the several factors set out in the order but to give no reason for my decision.

I listened with great care to the representation of the right hon. Gentleman. However, I must rule that his submissions do not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.